Lego Dark Ages
My story is likely very similar to other AFOLs. We built Lego as kids, and then stopped when we became teenagers and we found new hobbies and girls (I mean interests). The next chapter in our lives included going to school, finding a job, or other adulthood adventures that didn’t include Lego. But, eventually, we found our way back. During those times in our lives that we didn’t have Lego are affectionately known as our “Dark Ages.” These are the years we had so many other things happening in our lives - friends, family, relationships, jobs, money, or lack thereof - and we didn’t have time for Lego.
While a life without Lego may sound sad, let’s consider the positive.
We were living our lives, learning new things, meeting new people, and seeing new places. For me, high school was the time I replaced Lego with hanging out with my friends. We played video games like Halo, played basketball at my house or the local park, went to the mall to do absolutely nothing except walk around hangout, and drove as far as the gas money our parents gave us would take us as soon as we got our driver’s licenses. All those memories we made are well worth it.
Me driving if I were in a Lego world.
Now, think about how the Dark Ages are just a period of time that ends and we eventually see the light. I saw glimmers of light around 5 or 6 years after high school graduation, my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world and that meant toys for her (and for me!). I started building Lego again, but only sporadically through the years. 10 years and 2 more kiddos later, I finally started seeing the light become a lot brighter because we all enjoy Lego. Today, I have more Lego than I should, but it’s awesome and I hope that I never go back to the Dark Ages.
All this to say, it’s ok to have Lego Dark Ages. Or, maybe even Grey Ages when Lego is still sort of present. We’re still living life during those times, and Lego will always come back into our lives one way or another.
Ok, enough about that. Let’s talk about awesome Lego sets that were released during my Dark Ages!
Old Fishing Store
Set# 21310 | Theme: Ideas | Released 2017 | 2,049 pieces
My in-laws were really into fishing and they took us on trips to places like Mammoth and Big Bear to fish. This set would have been amazing if I had known about it!
I love the detail that went into this set. Two-story build, modular, great roof and interior details, and a good amount of minifigures and accessories. I could definitely see myself having fun playing with this set and would love to own it today as a display piece. The lookout tower and store are awesome play areas, and I know I’d take a few of these minifigs and bricks to water to try and get them to fish and float!
Epic Dragon Battle
Set# 9450 | Theme: Ninjago | Released 2012 | 915 pieces
I’ll admit, I’m not super familiar with Ninjago. I watched one of the movies and remember Lloyd being called “La-Loyd” by his father. I wish I had gotten more into the theme because look at this dragon set!
The 4 headed dragon is incredible and I think of it as something we as kids would come up with in just a random build day, but Lego made it in a set. This set has a dragon battle with 2 awesome creatures, and the collection of minifigures make it for a perfect playset - Good versus Evil. Looking at this set and the lineup of Ninjago sets, this theme has been consistently great.
MetalBeard’s Sea Cow
Set# 70810 | Theme: The Lego Movie | Released 2014 | 2,741 pieces
I’m not sure this picture does the set justice. I remember Lego pirate ships when I was a kid and loved them, so I’m sure this set is just as amazing in person.
I enjoyed the Lego Movie because it brought a lot of nostalgia for me. Unfortunately, my wallet didn’t align at the time to pickup any of the sets that were produced along with the movie. Still, seeing this beautiful ship, minifig lineup, and double decker couch makes me want to buy it at whatever price it’s at now (but I won’t). I know I found the MetalBeard mech by itself at a swap meet one time, but I don’t know where he ended up in our collection and bins.
NBA Collectors
Set# 3560 | Theme: Sports | Released 2003 | 12 pieces
As a fan of the NBA this theme was right up my alley. How could I miss?
This theme may actually be a little weird for most Lego fans, but I thought it was cool. Seeing NBA stars that I watched on TV become Lego minifigures was pretty cool. They had sets with basketballs and courts that you could play with these minifigs too. I still search for these in the wild, but it’s a little challenging with fake minifigs popping up everywhere.
There are probably hundreds of sets that I have never heard of or seen because of my Dark Ages, and that’s okay. Now that I’m no longer in those dark times, I get to experience Lego like it’s brand new. I may not have the opportunity to buy those sets new, but I do love the thrill of finding sets in the wild at swap meets, thrift stores, and yard sales. Even just seeing them in person or on screen for the first time is a great experience.
I’d love to hear your Dark Ages story if you’re willing to share! Hit us up in the comments, find me on X , and you can find Brick Dynasty on YouTube pretty much every Wednesday.
Thanks for reading Lego Fans!